Sightseeing
A walk up to the viewpoint above the lighthouse is particularly spectacular at dawn! But also wonderful at any time of the day.
16 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Castlepoint Lighthouse
A walk up to the viewpoint above the lighthouse is particularly spectacular at dawn! But also wonderful at any time of the day.
Great for all kinds of watersports, bring your surf board or paddle board or just wander along the beautiful beach.
Castlepoint Beach
Great for all kinds of watersports, bring your surf board or paddle board or just wander along the beautiful beach.
A highly recommended walk, a loop track with stunning views along the coastline both north and south. Seals often are seen laying in the sun where the path meets the beach. Also connects with the Castle Rock Climb (the Climb is not for the faint hearted!)
Deliverance Cove Track
A highly recommended walk, a loop track with stunning views along the coastline both north and south. Seals often are seen laying in the sun where the path meets the beach. Also connects with the Castle Rock Climb (the Climb is not for the faint hearted!)
A steep short track leads you to the top of Castle Rock. You take this at your own risk - it's not for the faint hearted or those who are uncomfortable with heights. But the views are pretty spectacular!
Castle Rock
Jetty RoadA steep short track leads you to the top of Castle Rock. You take this at your own risk - it's not for the faint hearted or those who are uncomfortable with heights. But the views are pretty spectacular!
Approximately a 1 hour 15min drive.
Native wildlife sanctuary with stunning displays of native birds.
39 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre
85379 State Hwy 2Approximately a 1 hour 15min drive.
Native wildlife sanctuary with stunning displays of native birds.
Neighbourhoods
Great for a few days R & R. There's one local pub, and a small local dairy/cafe and miles of beach to wander. Spectacular scenery in all weathers from the wild winter days to the summer scorchers! A dawn walk up to the lighthouse is a favourite amongst locals and visitors alike.
21 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Castlepoint
Great for a few days R & R. There's one local pub, and a small local dairy/cafe and miles of beach to wander. Spectacular scenery in all weathers from the wild winter days to the summer scorchers! A dawn walk up to the lighthouse is a favourite amongst locals and visitors alike.
City/town information
Just a 50 minute drive away, Masterton has comprehensive shopping and amenities including the beautiful Queen Elizabeth park and gardens, and 2 golf courses. There's also a great curry place - ask us for that recommendation!
14 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Masterton
Just a 50 minute drive away, Masterton has comprehensive shopping and amenities including the beautiful Queen Elizabeth park and gardens, and 2 golf courses. There's also a great curry place - ask us for that recommendation!
Activity
9 holes, no bunkers, but plenty of challenge with the tight boundary fences! Visitors welcome $15 Green Fees. Can hire clubs at the Pub.
Castlepoint Golf Course
231 Masterton-Castlepoint Rd9 holes, no bunkers, but plenty of challenge with the tight boundary fences! Visitors welcome $15 Green Fees. Can hire clubs at the Pub.
We highly recommend this day trip! A really interesting ride through farmlands, forest and coastal terrain, including e-bike hire and local pick up.
Contact Lucinda and say you are staying with Kathy & Clive - she will pick you up right outside your door! https://www.rahuicoastal.co.nz/
Rahui Coastal Loop
1237a Tinui Valley RoadWe highly recommend this day trip! A really interesting ride through farmlands, forest and coastal terrain, including e-bike hire and local pick up.
Contact Lucinda and say you are staying with Kathy & Clive - she will pick you up right outside your door! https://www.rahuicoastal.co.nz/
A challenging but rewarding walk to the top of the hill where the ANZAC Cross is located. Fabulous 360 views across the countryside. 20 minute drive from Castlepoint. Open from November to April. (Need to check opening as there have been some track repairs happening)
7 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Tinui ANZAC Walkway
194 Masterton-Castlepoint RdA challenging but rewarding walk to the top of the hill where the ANZAC Cross is located. Fabulous 360 views across the countryside. 20 minute drive from Castlepoint. Open from November to April. (Need to check opening as there have been some track repairs happening)
Walks for all levels of fitness. Carpark is signposted on the Masterton-Castlepoint Road, about 40 minutes drive from Castlepoint.
6 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Rewanui Forest Park
145 Masterton-Castlepoint RdWalks for all levels of fitness. Carpark is signposted on the Masterton-Castlepoint Road, about 40 minutes drive from Castlepoint.
The Johner Estate Vineyard and Winery is in a picturesque setting near Gladstone. All the wines are handmade and the family run business has wine tasting and a wonderful setting in which to enjoy a glass or two. (Please check opening hours by phone - sometimes the website isn't up to date!)
We are fans! About 1hr10m from Castlepoint.
7 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Johner Estate
359 Dakins RdThe Johner Estate Vineyard and Winery is in a picturesque setting near Gladstone. All the wines are handmade and the family run business has wine tasting and a wonderful setting in which to enjoy a glass or two. (Please check opening hours by phone - sometimes the website isn't up to date!)
We are fans! About 1hr10m from Castlepoint.
Food scene
Offering Fish & Chips, Toasties etc. There are picnic tables over the road where you can enjoy your lunch - you just have to make sure the seagulls don't steal your chips! Check opening hours at the store, they tend to close early if there's no one around!
6 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Castlepoint Store
44 Jetty RdOffering Fish & Chips, Toasties etc. There are picnic tables over the road where you can enjoy your lunch - you just have to make sure the seagulls don't steal your chips! Check opening hours at the store, they tend to close early if there's no one around!
The Local. 6km from the Retreat. Evening meals are available in the dining room or if it's a nice evening out in the beer garden. Booking is recommended ! Take away burgers and fish and chips are also available.
9 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Whakataki Hotel
5726 Castle Point RoadThe Local. 6km from the Retreat. Evening meals are available in the dining room or if it's a nice evening out in the beer garden. Booking is recommended ! Take away burgers and fish and chips are also available.
Another option for country pub fare: Approximately 20 minute drive from The Retreat. Phone before to check the kitchen is open for food service.
8 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Tinui Cafe & Bar
1 Charles StAnother option for country pub fare: Approximately 20 minute drive from The Retreat. Phone before to check the kitchen is open for food service.
Particularly good in the winter when the fire is roaring! About 1hr 10 from Castlepoint. (Not open everyday - so check before you head out)
15 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Gladstone Inn
571 Gladstone RdParticularly good in the winter when the fire is roaring! About 1hr 10 from Castlepoint. (Not open everyday - so check before you head out)